Should I buy a nice hybrid or a cheap road bike for fun triathlons?

I am SO frustrated with bike shopping I have already increased my budget WAY over what I would have ever thought I'd spend on a bike (like 4-500 bucks) and yet I still can't really find anything.

So should I stop focusing on road bikes and find a good hybrid or should I just buy a cheaper (ha!) road bike.

I am training with a team so I need to be able to keep up with them on group rides

If you want to get somewhere fast on a bike you need a road bike. I remember your previous questions. So what was the problem with the Motobecane etc. you were looking at? They were priced < $400. Your short right? Is bike came with 650c wheels. Cauldron gave you a great answer when she stated that she is your size and liked that one bike and fully understood you issues.

Maybe your confusion stems from conflicting advice? You will get it here, it's the nature of 'too many cooks in the kitchen" I guess. I've helped purchase bikes for several of my confused friends. So I think I know how you feel. If you can say what your reservations are regarding the purchase of a < $400 road bike is maybe I can clear it up for you. For fun fast riding that doesn't demand race gear you will be happy with a couple you were looking at.

I hope you conside that Motobecane or another similar to it. If you have $400 to spend it will do you fine. Report It

Get a hybrid.

If you are concerned about keeping up with a team, there is no contest. Road bike.

buy a hybrid...SAVE THE WORLD!!!

My first road bike 3 years ago was a Townie with 24 gears. I loved that bike for the comfort and even took i t on a 60 mile ride, no problem. You can pick them up for arount $400 to $500 dollars..

Go to your local bike shops and see if they have taken any bikes in trade. A good used road bike that's been checked out by a qualified technician just might be what you need to get started. You can also look at used road bikes from other sources and have the likely candidates checked out.

If you are on a hybrid and your team-mates are on road bikes, they will leave you in their dust. Been there.

HTH

Does the rest of the team you'll be training with have road bikes? if so, you'll have a lot more fun if you have the same. road bikes are truly a different breed, lighter, more efficient & keeping up on a hybrid would be a challenge. I tried to ride with my husband - he's athletic, fit, & far stronger than i am but he was on a hybrid & i on a road bike - it was not fun for either of us because i could barely pedal without getting far ahead of him & he was struggling the whole time. did you try looking at last years models? sometimes you can get them at a big discount. Do you know what size bike you need? Oh, & have you done any test rides? that's a great way to see just how spectacular it feels to ride the right bike. & yes, you can feel a difference so ride before you buy! fyi - i also had sticker shock - ended up spending $1200 5 years ago but no regrets - i absolutely LOVE my bike! it was one of my all time best purchases!